Epic and intimate, First Man is an astonishing portrayal of the trials, tribulations, and out of this world achievement of astronaut Neil Armstrong, as well as a technical cinematic marvel that places director Damien Chazelle into a whole new stratosphere.

In June of 1969, Neil Armstrong became the first man to walk on the Moon. When his foot hit that powdery, lunar landscape, he announced the immortal words: “That’s one small step for man. One giant leap for mankind”. That “small step” not only felt the weight of the NASA Space Program, the danger of the Cold War, and the hopes of humanity, it was one which also carried the burden of a heart in grief and a spirit determined to go above and beyond anyone before him.

This is the premise of Oscar winning director Damien Chazelle (La La Land) latest movie, First Man. Based on the book “First Man: The Life of Neil A. Armstrong” by James R. Hansen, the film stars Ryan Gosling as Armstrong from his first days starting at the NASA space program, to that iconic moment on the Moon. Throughout it all Armstrong dealt with the unrelenting cruel hand of death, including that of his infant daughter to cancer and multiple astronauts who died in tragic accidents.

Gosling has made a career playing introverted characters (Drive and Only God Forgives of special mention), and he does so again here with much conviction and sympathy as a heartbroken soul buried in his work. Clare Foy is also excellent as Armstrong’s wife Janet, providing the emotional outlet in Josh Singer’s (Spotlight) screenplay with heartbreaking clarity. One scene in which Foy gives Gosling a come-to-Jesus moment is tremendously good and places the British actress straight into awards consideration.

The real strength in First Man is Chazelle’s brilliant direction. With a keen eye on authenticity, and an assemblage of exceptional behind the scenes talent to help bring that vision to life, Chazelle delivers as realistic a depiction of the trials and processes of the space race, as well as its many triumphs and tragedies. Where the likes of Gravity and The Martian are indeed spectacularly entertaining space-movies, First Man is all about the grit, grind, and emotional rollercoaster that such a dangerous expedition brings with it. The result is a mash of awe-inspiring technical wizardry and heartfelt soul gazing, presented by Chazelle with great skill.